Through the eyes of children: First Nations children’s perceptions of health

Kyla English, MSc. CandidateUniversity of Western Ontario

In partnership with the Southwest Ontario

Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC)

Co-Supervisors: Dr. C.A.M. Richmond & Dr. D. Rudman

May 2014

Background Information

First Nations children face health disparities

Cultural Identity “a complex of features that together

shape how a person thinks about herself or himself as an Aboriginal person” (RCAP, 1996, p. 523)

enhanced through traditional teachings and cultural activities

Little exploration of First Nations children’s perceptions of health

(Gracey & King, 2009; Greenwood & de Leeuw, 2012; Isaak & Marchessault, 2008; King, Smith, & Gracey, 2009; RCAP, 1996)

Research Objectives

1)To understand how First Nations children think about their health, with an emphasis on the activities connected to health

2)To explore how these children connect health and culture

Community-based Participatory Research:

Working with the CommunityPicture on Left

Top (left to right): Debbie Rudman, Kyla English, Melanie Knott, Nancy Noganosh, Hannah Tait-Neufeld, Summer Bressette, Carlene Mennen, Cindy Smithers Graeme

Bottom (left to right): Chantelle Richmond, Jocelyn Shutt, Liz Akiwenzie

Missing: Doug George, Brian Dokis

Picture on Right

(Left to right): Erik Mandawe, Kylie Bressette, Summer Bressette, Kyle Dolson, Kyla English, Keesis Nadjiwon, Cindy Smithers Graeme

Missing: Marley Fisher

Bimaadiziwin Learning Experience (BLE)

• August 19 – 23, 2013• 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.• Located at GLC• Free of charge

• Lunch and snacks provided • Cultural activities• Research activities• 4 Research Assistants

Study Participants

20 First Nations children

10-12 years old

Oneida Nation of the Thames, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, Walpole Island First Nation

All were participants in the BLE

Research ActivitiesData Collection

1) Painting • Monday morning • “What does being healthy look like to you?”

2) Sharing Circles• Monday afternoon • 4 circles, 4-5 children per circle

Data Analysis• Inductive thematic analysis

Findings: Eating healthy foods

Findings: Being active

Findings: Cultural symbols

Discussion Points

Being Outside

Outside viewed as healthy environment

Children enjoyed outdoor activities

Importance of Relationships

Family, friends influenced perceptions of health

Parents viewed as role models, important sources of health information

Grandparents viewed as important sources of cultural knowledge

Living Between Two Cultures

Ideas of health largely centered around food and exercise

Children struggled to verbalize connection between health and culture

Learning Through Doing

Indigenous Knowledge largely gained through experience

Children demonstrated preference for hands-on learning

(Richmond, 2014)

Involve community members, especially grandparents and Elders, in design and delivery

Bring children out on the land

Provide opportunities for hands-on learning

Incorporate Western and First Nations ways of knowing and ideas about health

Implications for Health Promotion

“...Recognizing multiple ways of knowing and being in the world is fundamental to effective research and effective health care practice with and for Aboriginal peoples”

(Greenwood & de Leeuw, 2012, p. 7)

Thank you.

References1. Gracey, M., & King, M. (2009). Indigenous health part 1: Determinants

and disease patterns. The Lancet, 374, 65-75.

2. Greenwood, M.L., & de Leeuw, S.N. (2012). Social determinants of health and the future well-being of Aboriginal children in Canada. Paediatrics & Child Health, 17(7), 381-384.

3. Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. (1996). Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples: Volume 4: Perspectives and realities. Ottawa, ON: Canada Communication Group – Publishing.

4. King, M., Smith, A., & Gracey, M. (2009). Indigenous health part 2: The underlying causes of the health gap. The Lancet, 374, 76-85.

5. Isaak, C.A., & Marchessault, G. (2008). Meaning of health: The perspectives of Aboriginal adults and youth in a Northern Manitoba First Nations community. Canadian Journal of Diabetes, 32(2), 114-122.

6. Richmond, C.A.M. (2014). Indigenous health (Unpublished). Western University, London ON.